The collective mojo of a group of women is a powerful force but when captured and sculptured by some of Australia’s leading motivational speakers, it is downright formidable.
Energy levels at Bond University were palpable on April 10 when 130 of the Gold Coast’s top women executives filled the halls to attend the inaugural Unleash! conference, seeking inspiration from a range of professional speakers while raising more than $10,665 for a good cause.
The event was the brainchild of Alison Hill, founding director of motivation and behaviour strategy company Pragmatic Thinking and a premium member of Business Chicks, Australia’s leading female business networking organisation.
Alison approached Bond University, a proud supporting partner of Business Chicks, to back the event as part of a fundraising drive for The Hunger Project Australia, a charity aimed at making a difference in the world through the development of women.
Bond University’s support of Unleash! allowed the full $10,655 raised at the function to go directly to the charity, through Business Chicks’ Immersion and Leadership Program.
“The Hunger Project’s aim is to end hunger in our life time,’’ Ms Hill said.
“For many years I’ve been drawn to Africa and supporting people at a grassroots level so when I came across the Business Chicks’ program I knew it was something I wanted to put my hand up for.
“The fact there’s a focus on supporting women in those villages and communities is something really powerful.”
Ms Hill will visit the southern African country of Malawi in August as part of a 20-strong delegation of women and is particularly interested in any lessons that could be brought home.
“I’m really interested to see the work of The Hunger Project on the ground and what is really effective,” Ms Hill said.
“There is an interest there for me to learn how social change is driven and implemented, and what lessons might be applicable to communities here in Australia.”
Instead of undertaking the usual cake drive or bike ride, Ms Hill organised Unleash! offering Gold Coast women the chance to enjoy a growth opportunity of their own.
Speakers covered a range of topics, from how to find clarity in decision-making, to how to look after one’s health and successfully navigate today’s business world through self-branding and storytelling.
Bond University Career Development Centre General Manager Kirsty Mitchell, a fellow Business Chicks premium member, said the event was a great way to celebrate the university’s relationship with Business Chicks at a local level and to connect with small and medium-sized business operators.
“This was a great opportunity for us to reach out to our partners and support them for a good cause,’’ Ms Mitchell said.
“At Bond University we’re committed to the whole life-cycle of our students and that includes helping put them in touch with industry and business leaders in our community.’’